SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana split its conference doubleheader Thursday afternoon at Bowden Field, opening with a 6-0 win over Southwest Minnesota State before falling 2-1 in the nightcap.

Augustana 6, Southwest Minnesota State 0
Desi Cuevas led the Vikings with three hits and two RBI while Norah Christiansen added a home run and two RBI to pace the Augustana offense. Claire Wynja collected two hits and an RBI, and Teya Speltz (5-5) was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing just three hits and striking out one.

After a scoreless opening frame, Augustana broke through in the second inning. Christiansen led off the inning by sending a pitch over the left-field fence for a solo home run to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead.

The Vikings added to their advantage in the third inning with a two-out rally. Andrea Cain tripled down the right-field line before Cuevas followed with a single. Wynja then delivered an RBI single through the right side to score Cuevas, and Sidney Smart capped the inning with an RBI double to push the lead to 3-0.

Augustana continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Ella Cooper and Susie Tollefson each singled to start the frame before Cain loaded the bases with a base hit. Cuevas came through again, ripping a double down the left-field line to score two runs and extend the lead to 5-0.

The Vikings added their final run in the fifth inning as Stella Harber worked a walk and later came around to score on an RBI double from Christiansen, making it 6-0.

Speltz took care of the rest, keeping the Mustangs off the scoreboard throughout the game. The right-hander scattered three hits across seven innings and worked around the only walk she allowed, as the Augustana defense backed her throughout.

Augustana finished with 13 hits in the game, with Cuevas, Wynja, Christiansen and Cooper each recording multi-hit performances.

Southwest Minnesota State 2, Augustana 1 
Southwest Minnesota State struck early and held off a late Augustana push to earn a split of the doubleheader with a 2-1 victory.

The Mustangs plated both of their runs in the second inning, using a double, single and a wild pitch to take a 2-0 lead.

Augustana threatened throughout but broke through in the sixth inning. Kierra Lubovich tripled down the right-field line and came home on a sacrifice from Sidney Smart to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Vikings were unable to complete the comeback in the seventh, as Southwest Minnesota State retired the side to secure the win.

Lubovich, Ella Cooper and Susie Tollefson each recorded a hit for Augustana. Helene Krage (8-7) went the distance in the circle, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out one.

Up Next
Augustana shifts its attention to Sunday afternoon as it heads across town to face Sioux Falls at 4/6 p.m.